Overview & Reviews

With a few well-established vehicles dominating the midsize sedan segment, and numerous likable competitors trying to unseat them, it's tough for any particular vehicle to stand out. But the Mazda 6 has often offered something most competitors don't: charisma.

While just about any car in this segment will get the job done, the Mazda 6 manages to engage the driver in the process. This was particularly true of the first-generation 6, which had a relatively compact, European-size footprint and sporty suspension tuning that gave the car a remarkably nimble feel. For the second- and third-generation 6, Mazda enlarged the dimensions but retained much of the original model's handling panache. Whichever vintage you choose, the Mazda 6 is a solid choice as a midsize sedan.

Current Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 midsize sedan comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Two transmissions are available: a six speed manual or a six-speed automatic (with shift paddles on the steering wheel).

Sport, Touring and Grand Touring are the three trim levels for the current Mazda 6. Standard equipment on the base Sport with the manual transmission includes a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a 60/40-split rear seat and a six-speaker sound system. The automatic transmission-equipped Sport gets Bluetooth, an infotainment touchscreen and a rearview camera.

Stepping up to the Touring adds items such as keyless ignition and entry, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver seat. Options for the Touring include automatic headlights, a sunroof, an upgraded sound system, navigation and a frontal collision mitigation system. The Grand Touring gets all the standard and optional features from the Touring, plus bi-xenon headlights, foglights, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Notable options for the Grand Touring include adaptive cruise control and the i-Eloop system that improves fuel economy by 2-3 mpg.

Visually, the 6 is no wallflower, with a distinctive face and a sleek profile that stands out in a crowd. In terms of practicality, the Mazda 6 also stacks up well against class leaders such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry with regard to passenger space and cargo volume. Moreover, most midsize sedans can't match the Mazda's entertaining character on twisty back roads. The car's main downsides are an electronic interface that's a little behind the times and a ride quality that some drivers might deem a tad too stiff.

Used Mazda 6 Models
The newest, third-generation Mazda 6 appeared for 2014. Compared to the previous-generation model, the latest 6 differentiates itself with sleeker styling, higher fuel economy and added safety features. Mazda hasn't made any major changes since.

The second-generation Mazda 6 debuted for the 2009 model year and was produced through 2013. There were two available engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque or a 3.7-liter V6 that put out 272 hp and 269 lb-ft. The four-cylinder was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, while the V6 was only available with a six-speed automatic.

In its second generation, the 6 was available in five trim levels: i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. Models with the "i" prefix come with the four-cylinder engine, while those with the "s"prefix come with the V6. Base models were respectably equipped, while higher trim levels came with such niceties as a sunroof, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control and an audible blind-spot monitoring system. Other notable options included xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, satellite radio and a navigation system.

As with other Mazda 6 models, we appreciated this generation's sporty handling. It was also pretty practical thanks to a roomy interior and a big trunk. On the downside, though, fuel economy wasn't the best in the segment and interior materials were lackluster. In its final couple years, this 6 also seemed increasingly outdated compared to newer rivals from Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota. But overall we think it's still worth considering as a used family sedan.

Launched for the 2003 model year and produced through 2008, the first-generation Mazda 6 was initially available only as a sedan, while a four-door hatchback and a wagon joined the lineup from 2004-'07. There were two basic trim levels: i and s. The Mazda 6 i was powered by a 160-hp four-cylinder engine mated to either a manual or an automatic transmission. The s came with a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 -- also available with a manual transmission or an automatic.

The Mazdaspeed 6 was a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive variant of the Mazda 6 sedan that was only offered in 2006 and '07. Boasting 278 hp, a six-speed manual transmission and sports-car-like handling, this European-style sedan delivered great driving excitement. As a used car, it's a compelling package for those with a need for speed, not to mention all-wheel-drive traction.

With power accessories, cruise control and pleasant cloth upholstery, even base models were reasonably well equipped. Optional features included a rear spoiler, foglights, leather seating, a power sunroof and an upgraded audio system with a CD changer.

We like the original Mazda 6 for its edgy, handsome design and stylish interior. Even more impressive were its communicative steering and tight suspension. Both the hatchback and wagon were fun-to-drive and sensible alternatives to other sedans and even SUVs. On the downside, the first-gen Mazda 6's interior quality was lacking, and the sedan was relatively short on passenger space. Moreover, the V6 lacked the punch of rival uplevel motors.

There were a few changes made to the first-generation Mazda 6 over the years. In 2005, a six-speed automatic replaced the five-speed unit on V6 models. For 2006, four-cylinder cars received an upgraded five-speed automatic in place of the old four-speed, and all Mazda 6 models were treated to minor styling updates. The 2006 and '07 models benefited from additional safety features being made standard.

User Reviews:

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  Mazda needs awd in auto transmission - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ty - July 26 - 10:10 pm

  Ive owned my Mazda 6 for 10 months and Im very impressed with the performance, style and comfort. My only discomfort is that I didnt add the Navigation system, and the radio is built in (which prevents you from adding an aftermarket CD/Navigation system.

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  My Mazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MtnDewGyrl - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mazda! I was really hooked on 1993 Honda Accords but this car drives exactly like an Accord. The car is comfortable yet sporty which is what I was looking for. It has really neat dashboard features and is great on gas. Next car I get will be a Mazda 6.

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  Lots of fun but serious quality issues. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By M6driver - July 24 - 2:53 am

  This car is great fun to drive and well-appointed but the serious quality problems make it not worth the trouble. In one year, its been in the shop more than my last car was in four. The worst problem (there have been others) has been a rotten egg smell that took three trips to the dealer to fix. Its already coming back (another problem has come back almost immediately). From a driving dynamics standpoint, its great but not worth the headaches. Ill probably be replacing it long before I intended.

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  Zoom-zoom! It really comes down to value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomnbyu - July 23 - 8:56 am

  Ive had my 6s for almost five years and 67000 mostly trouble free miles. I wont lie and say that I never had the car to the dealer for repairs. My warranty file is pretty thick. However, most of any of my original concerns with this car that were repaired under warranty never recurred. Being that I bought a first year car, I chalk that up to working out the bugs. This car has always been extremely fun to drive. Thats why I bought it. It will always bring a smile to your face when the corners begin to fill your windshield! Build quality is average. Reliability has been good. I will be passing this car down in eighteen months to my son who will be heading to college.

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  Speedy 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By TP - July 20 - 7:40 pm

  I bought my Mazda 6s back with all the goodies except leather which you dont need in AZ back in 10/04. After arguing with the dealer for 2 days I got the deal I wanted. This car definitely drives better then the Accord, Altima and Camry I test drove. I already have 25,000 miles on it.

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  The Winner is........... The 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hockey Fan - July 18 - 4:03 pm

  Where to start? I was in the market for either the Audi A4 or Lexus IS250 but landed in a Mazda 6. I drove past a Mazda dealership, the new 6 just stood out. I went in, test drove the car and here I am 3 months later loving my decision! They compare the Mazda 6 to the Accord and Camry (class- wise) however, it does not compare! It is far superior and should instead weight against cars like the A4 and IS250. Sounds crazy I know but I am a total gear head and was dead set on one of the aforementioned cars. The 6 changed my mind! This car is nimble, responsive and fast! It has all of the high end comforts without the high end price tag. I could not be happier with my decision.......!

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  Mixed Emotions - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jimsrod - July 17 - 3:00 am

  Performance, comfort and functionality are balanced nicely with the 6s. The interior/exterior are the most sporty and the price is very competitive for its class. Mazda service has been okay in trying to resolve issues. The dashboard makes an annoying noise as well as the sunroof "ticks or pops". I still need to take it to the dealer for the dashboard so I cant give a negative there but they cant pinpoint the sunroof noise. Brakes could be better but thats not just a Mazda problem, all manufacturers have brake issues. Throttle response was annoying but Mazda fixed it. 1st year of a new model but I got 0% financing so it was worth it. All cars have issues so overall Im happy.

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  my new car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jared - July 13 - 6:56 am

  I traded up my 93 Protege LX and purchased a 2003 Mazda6. I was sad to see my Protege go but I LOVE the 6. Mazda has come a long way in 10 years. I was very impressed all around. It drives great and is well equipped for the price! Its no BMW or anything but still in my opinion the best that Mazda offers.

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  A Faithful and Fun Car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Felix - July 8 - 1:00 pm

  I owned my Mazda 6 for almost 6 1/2 years before trading it this month. In all that time, the only mechanical problem I ever had with the car was a bad CV valve. I did however have several problems with interior quality, namely my hands wore holes through the leather coverings on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob. Talk about cheap. The headliner also started coming down after only 4 1/2 years. Finally, the pixels on the center console started fading out making it difficult to read. All that said, the car was very reliable and fun to drive. It handled very nimbly and dug into corners. Straight-line acceleration was lacking but it was a 4-cylinder. I would definitely buy it again.

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  Not too shabby - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By medman13 - July 8 - 4:49 am

  I have owned this car now for about 1 yr. I bought this when i decided to go back to school. It has an overall great design to it and gives a professional look when needed as well as a sporty look when needed. It is reasonable on gas however lacks desired power. The stick is fun to drive and shifts quite well, however an automatic would have been a better choice as an everyday driver in town. The car is said to be the poor mans BMW and holds true to that in many facets.